Mastering the Art of Reheating Honey Baked Turkey to Perfection

The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without a gorgeous, golden brown honey baked turkey as the centerpiece of the feast. After spending time carefully selecting just the right bird and having it prepared by the skilled hands of your local HoneyBaked store, you want to ensure every slice is just as mouthwateringly delicious when it’s time to enjoy those coveted leftovers.

But reheating such a prized entrée can cause even the most seasoned home cooks to break into a nervous sweat Will it dry out? Will the skin stay crispy? Will the glaze get weirdly sticky? Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the ideal techniques for warming up honey baked turkey so it retains its flavor, moisture and texture. With these pro-tips, you can relax knowing your turkey will be just as spectacular the second time around

Storing Honey Baked Turkey

Before we get into the heating methods proper storage is key to delicious leftovers. Here are some quick honey baked turkey storing tips

• Allow the turkey to cool completely before refrigerating.

• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Avoid plastic bags which can crush the skin.

• Place wrapped turkey in an airtight container. This prevents drying out.

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

• Freeze turkey for 2-3 months if not using right away. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Oven Reheating Method

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reheat honey baked turkey is in the oven. The dry ambient heat will gently warm the turkey without overcooking. Follow these simple oven reheating instructions:

• Preheat oven to 300°F. Low, even heat is key.

• Place entire turkey or slices on a shallow baking sheet and tent loosely with foil.

• Warm turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound. For just breasts or slices, bake for 15-20 minutes.

• Uncover and bake 5 minutes more to recrisp skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.

• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F is reached.

Microwave Reheating Tips

If you’re short on time, the microwave can be used to quickly reheat slices of honey baked turkey. Keep these microwave tips in mind:

• Microwave slices on a microwave-safe plate in 30-60 second intervals until hot, 165°F.

• Prevent drying by tenting turkey with a damp paper towel before microwaving.

• Add a teaspoon of chicken or turkey broth to slices to add moisture.

• Rearrange and rotate slices midway through heating for even cooking.

• Let turkey rest a minute before serving so heat distributes evenly.

Maintaining Crispy Skin

One of the best parts of honey baked turkey is that incredible crispy, glazed skin. But reheating can turn it soggy fast. Here are some pro tips for keeping the skin delectably crispy:

• Let turkey sit out 20-30 minutes before reheating to dry skin surface.

• Rub skin with a little olive or vegetable oil before reheating.

• Broil turkey for 2-3 minutes after reheating to recrisp skin. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

• Place slices skin-side up on a cooling rack over a baking sheet while reheating in the oven. The air circulation will keep skin crispy.

Adding Moisture to Prevent Drying

Without the proper precautions, reheated turkey can turn dry and stringy. Here are smart ways to keep your turkey tender and juicy:

• Cover turkey with foil while reheating to trap in steam and moisture.

• Brush turkey all over with glaze, broth or pan drippings before reheating. The liquid will baste the meat.

• Include a bowl of water or apple cider in the oven or microwave when reheating to create steam.

• Let turkey rest 5-10 minutes after reheating, tented with foil. This allows juices to redistribute.

• If turkey seems dry, add a little broth or extra glaze and reheat 2-3 minutes more.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your honey baked turkey is picture perfect, it’s time to serve it up in style! Here are some fun ideas:

• Pile high on sandwiches with cranberry sauce, lettuce and mayo.

• Dice and add to salads, soups or casseroles for bonus protein.

• Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing and green bean casserole.

• Create turkey sliders on sweet Hawaiian rolls for an appetizer twist.

• Top waffles or biscuits with turkey, gravy and scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast.

With the right reheating techniques, your leftover honey baked turkey will taste like absolute perfection. Savor every last morsel of this holiday treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about reheating honey baked turkey? Here are answers to some common FAQs:

How long does honey baked turkey last in the fridge?

Properly stored, honey baked turkey will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Make sure to wrap it tightly in foil.

Can you freeze a whole honey baked turkey?

Yes! Freeze it for 2-3 months wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What is the best way to reheat a whole turkey?

The oven is ideal for evenly reheating a whole turkey without drying it out. Cover with foil and use 8-10 minutes per pound at 300°F.

Is it safe to microwave honey baked turkey?

Yes, you can safely microwave small slices for 30-60 seconds until 165°F. Prevent drying with a damp paper towel tent.

Can I reheat turkey in the slow cooker or instant pot?

It’s not recommended. The moist heat and slow pace can make the skin soggy and lead to overcooking.

Should you reheat honey baked turkey covered or uncovered?

Covering with foil is best to trap in steam and prevent drying out. Uncover last 5 minutes if you want crispy skin.

How many times can you reheat turkey?

It’s best to only reheat honey baked turkey once. The texture and moisture content will start to degrade with multiple reheatings.

Reheating honey baked turkey may seem daunting, but have no fear! With these handy tips and techniques, you can relax knowing your turkey will come out of the oven just as succulent, flavorful and crispy as the first time around.